Trick-or-Treaters fill Main Street in Alachua during the city’s annual Halloween celebration, weaving through crowds under festive lights as local businesses hand out candy and families take in the lively holiday atmosphere. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ Main Street shimmered with fairy-tale magic and Halloween glow Friday evening as families packed into downtown Alachua for the city’s annual “Trick or Treat on Main” celebration. From princess tiaras to superhero capes and tiny pumpkins toddling beside parents, the event delivered a festive and safe Halloween night for the community.

Hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce with support from the City of Alachua, local businesses and civic groups, the event once again turned the historic downtown district into a pedestrian-only corridor filled with treats, themed displays and festive photo stops. The celebration ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m., giving families time to explore, gather candy and enjoy the Halloween atmosphere before heading off to neighborhood trick-or-treating or home for the night.

This year, Main Street took on the classic charm of “Snow White” for the annual Scarecrow Row, a highlight that has become a signature element of the celebration. Businesses and organizations lined the street with handcrafted scarecrows and scenes inspired by the beloved fairy tale. Guests wandered past depictions of Snow White, forest-dwelling dwarfs, enchanted mirrors, and apples both sweet and sinister.

The competition brought out big creativity from local participants. The Mustard Seed claimed first place, Boukari Law / Alachua County Today placed second, and Sysco earned third for its imaginative display. Judges praised the entries for their craftsmanship and playful spirit, adding cinematic flair to the evening.

Children darted from storefront to storefront, collecting candy while parents snapped photos amid twinkling lights and costumed characters. The Snow White’s Cottage photo booth proved popular, offering families a cozy spot to pose among woodland-themed décor, complete with peek-through cottage windows and friendly animal characters perched along the sills.

Organizers credited strong support from corporate participants and local merchants who decorated, handed out candy and kept the festive energy high. “A heartfelt thank-you to all the businesses who participated and handed out candy. Your support made this event such a memorable experience for the kids (and adults!) who came out to celebrate,” the Alachua Chamber of Commerce shared in a statement.

Parking lots near downtown filled quickly, with many families arriving early to beat the crowd. Alachua Police officers were stationed throughout the event to ensure a smooth and safe evening for all attendees.

As crowds trickled away under streetlights and the last of the candy buckets emptied, children clutched glow sticks and candy bags, and parents pushed strollers past the final displays. Once again, “Trick or Treat on Main” offered a community-centered way to celebrate Halloween—fun, festive and filled with small-town magic.

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~ The following is a press release provided by Alachua County. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County invites the community to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans at the 2025 Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville).

 Alachua County Veteran Services will host the celebration, in partnership with the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee and local veteran and nonprofit organizations.

 This free, family-friendly event features live music, inspiring speakers, and activities for all ages. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with music and family activities, followed by a formal program at 11 a.m. honoring those who have selflessly served our nation.

 Highlights include:

 Dedication of a new Veterans Memorial flagpole

• First responder aircraft displays and a skydiving performance
• Live band performances and drill team demonstrations
• Military and historical displays
• Guest speakers honoring veterans’ service and sacrifice
• Veteran resources and services from the Malcom Randall Veterans Health Administration
• Special appearances by University of Florida mascots Albert and Alberta

 “Veterans Day is a time for our community to come together and express our gratitude to those who have served,” said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Olajuwon White. “This celebration is not only about honoring their sacrifices, but also about connecting veterans and families with the support and appreciation they deserve.”

 For more information, contact Olajuwon White at 352-264-6740 or alachuacountyvet@alachuacounty.us.

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Families and participants enjoyed the sixth annual pumpkin decorating contest in downtown High Springs on Friday. The event, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, brought out community members for Halloween fun and treats. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SRINGS – Halloween in downtown High Springs was a blast as the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe rolled out the orange carpet for its sixth annual pumpkin decorating contest! The event was packed with spooky spirit and plenty of dazzling, imaginative pumpkins that delighted the crowd.

The contest featured multiple age divisions and highlighted both individual talent and community participation. Little ghouls and goblins stole the show in the Children 6 or Younger category, with Taelynn Perry, Tinleigh Perry, Sammy Wicks, and Jameson Parry all taking home top honors.

In the Youth 7–12 group, Rayve Boyle snatched First Place, Hannah McCullough grabbed Second, and Hudson Huffman earned a spooky Third.

The 13 or Older division saw Brianna Oswald rise to First Place, Renee Cox come in Second, and Julie Tapia-Ruano claim Third.

Local organizations and businesses also joined the fun. Serendipity earned recognition in the City Business category, the High Springs Police Department was named top City Department, and Air America received honors for Best Presentation of High Springs.

The Kiwanis Club extended thanks to participating businesses and organizations that helped support the family-oriented celebration. “This spirited fundraiser helps support children and families across Alachua and High Springs,” the club shared.

Event sponsors included Alachua County Today, Ross Ambrose, Great Outdoors, Pink Flamingo, Prime Conduit, Prohibition Pizza, Waste Pro, High Springs CRA, Steak Out, The Florida Creamery, Theme Works, American Air, Campus USA, Decades on Main Street, High Springs Brewery, Jason’s Jewelry, LaTour Eye Doctor and The Mantle.

The Kiwanis Club noted their appreciation to every volunteer, business partner and community supporter who contributed to the event’s success.

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Gleaming chrome, polished paint, and hometown pride filled Northeast Railroad Avenue as more than 100 cars and motorcycles lined the streets for the High Springs Lions Club’s 4th Annual Bike and Car Show on Oct. 25./Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – Sunshine, perfect weather, chrome, and community spirit filled Northeast Railroad Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 25, as the High Springs Lions Club hosted its 4th Annual Bike and Car Show, drawing 101 participating entries and spectators from across the region.

More than just a showcase of restored classics and creative builds, the annual event served a charitable mission — raising funds for the Florida Diabetes Camp, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for children living with diabetes.

Registration for entrants was $25. The event included music, door prizes, and a lively 50/50 raffle. In a touching show of generosity, the winner of that raffle donated her winnings back to the cause.

The day’s awards reflected both craftsmanship and community spirit. Among the most prestigious honors was the John B. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes not only vehicles built before 1962 but also the owner’s stewardship and enthusiasm for the car hobby. Judges, including the Sullivan family and the Lions Club, selected #33 Alex Fardales and his 1955 Chevy Belair as the 2025 recipient.

The Best of Show Award, chosen by representatives of the Florida Diabetes Camp, went to #40 Terry Hoyt for his 1961 Chevy Impala, a crowd favorite gleaming under the autumn sun.

In memory of longtime enthusiast Ed Decker, the Under Construction Award went to #22 Logan Butler for his in-progress 1966 Buick Skylark.

Adding a seasonal twist, the Halloween Award honored #18 Tim Mills and his 1996 Rat Rod, which brought a spooky flair to the lineup.

The High Springs Chamber’s Club Participation Award went to the Gainesville Street Rods, whose members turned out in impressive numbers. Meanwhile, young attendees helped select the Top Truck Kid’s Choice Award, presented to #8 Chris Forback for his beautifully restored 1946 Chevrolet truck.

Top Entries

Judges also recognized the Top 20 cars and Top five bikes overall. Standouts included:

Top 20 Cars (selected highlights):

• #13 John Hoehn – 1957 Chevy 3100 Truck
• #28 Clint Wilson – 1966 C10 Chevy Pickup
• #55 “Gator” David – 1964 Chevy Chevelle Malibu
• #49 Don McCullen – 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
• #66 Darryl Crumpton – 1967 Chevy Camaro

Top 5 Bikes:

• #14 Rick Testa – 1910 Harley Replica
• #79 David Croenne – 2009 Harley Rocker C
• #70 Jeff Knight – 2012 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• #1 Gene Resmondo, Jr. – 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King
• #74 Allen Newborn – 1969 BSA Motorcycle

As the trophies were handed out and engines cooled under the afternoon sun, organizers reflected on another successful year of giving back. With every polished chrome fender and revving engine, participants helped support the Florida Diabetes Camp, ensuring that children living with diabetes can experience summer adventures filled with confidence, friendship, and fun.

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